Electronic device case with a friction surface

ABSTRACT

A case for use with an electronic device includes a base portion with side portions extending therefrom forming a pocket. The case also includes a first material generally at an exterior of the pocket, forming a majority of an exterior surface of the base portion, and a second material secured to and having a higher coefficient of friction than the first material, generally at an interior of the pocket. The second material protrudes through aperture(s) in the first material at the base portion to protrude from the interior to the exterior of the base portion, and outward from the first material such that the second material contacts a support surface when the base portion is placed thereon. The protruding second material extends away from the aperture(s) on opposing surfaces of the first material at the exterior and interior of the pocket to provide securement between the first and second materials.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/174,436 filed Feb. 6, 2014 and claims benefit to U.S. PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/761,556 filed Feb. 6, 2013, the content of whichis incorporated herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure is generally related to a case for use with aportable electronic device. More specifically, the disclosure relates toa case configured to protect the electronic device from impacts orabrasions.

Background

Some cases for portable electronic devices, such as cellular phones andpersonal digital assistants (PDAs), for example, have hard exteriorsurfaces with low coefficients of friction. Such exterior surfaces mayfacilitate insertion and removal of the case (and electronic devicetherein) from a user's pocket. Other cases are formed from a softercushioning material, tending to have a relatively high coefficient offriction, which may provide greater impact protection to the electronicdevice. Among other things, the present application disclosesimprovements to cases for electronic devices.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, a case for use with a portable electronicdevice includes a base portion with side portions extending therefrom,the base portion and side portions forming a pocket configured tosurround a back and sides of the portable electronic device. The casealso includes a first material generally being positioned at an exteriorof the pocket, wherein a majority of an exterior surface of the baseportion is formed from the first material. The case also includes asecond material generally being positioned at an interior of the pocket,the second material protruding through one or more apertures in thefirst material at the base portion so that portions of the secondmaterial protrude from the interior of the pocket to the exteriorsurface of the base portion, and protrude outward from the firstmaterial at the base portion such that when the base portion of the caseis placed on the support surface, the second material contacts thesupport surface. The second material has a higher coefficient offriction than the first material and is secured to the first material.The second material protrudes through the one or more apertures in thefirst material at the base portion extends away from the one or moreapertures on opposing surfaces of the first material at the exterior ofthe pocket and the interior of the pocket to provide securement betweenthe first and second materials.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, the accompanyingdrawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings in which corresponding referencesymbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a rear view of an embodiment of an electronic devicecase;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the electronic device case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a right side view of the electronic device case ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a left side view of the electronic device case ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the electronic device case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the electronic device case of FIG.1;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the electronic device case ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 8 illustrates a reduced perspective view of the electronic devicecase of FIG. 1, as depicted in FIG. 7, omitting a material moldedtherein;

FIG. 9 illustrates another reduced perspective view of the electronicdevice case of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the electronic device case ofFIG. 1, as depicted in FIG. 9, including the molded material omittedtherefrom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT(S)

FIG. 1-6 illustrate rear, front, right side, left side, top, and bottomviews of a case 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the case 10. Asdepicted in FIGS. 1-7, the case 10 includes a base 20 with sidesextending away therefrom, forming a pocket to receive a portableelectronic device therein. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment,the case 10 includes a top 30, a bottom 40, a right side 50 a, and aleft side 50 b. It may be appreciated that the so-called right side 50 aappears on the left side of FIG. 1 because FIG. 1 illustrates a rearview of the case 10. In an embodiment, the top 30 and bottom 40 maycomprise sides of the case 10 that are each coupled to the sides 50 aand 50 b through corner joints 60, described in greater detail below. Itmay be appreciated that the case 10 may be configured to house a varietyof portable electronic devices across various embodiments, including butnot limited to a cellular phone, PDA, music player (e.g., MP3 player),tablet, gaming device, remote control, and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the top 30, bottom 40, right side 50 a, andleft side 50 b may be coupled by a lip 70 which may surround an openingof the case 10 shaped and configured to receive the portable electronicdevice therein. It may be appreciated that an interior surface 80 of thebase 20, as well as interior surfaces of the top 30, bottom 40, rightside 50 a, left side 50 b, and the lip 70, may define the pocket (withthe lip 70 defining the opening of the pocket). In an embodiment, adisplay screen and/or a user interface of the portable electronic devicemay face away from the pocket (e.g., may be framed at least partially bythe lip 70). As described in greater detail below, the corner joints 60and/or the lip 70 may be formed of an elastic or otherwise resilientlydeformable material, which may facilitate expanding the pocket toreceive the portable electronic device within the pocket. It may beappreciated that other configurations of the case 10 may alternativelybe possible, including but not limited to cases having multiplecomponents that are separable from each other. For example, slider casesare generally configured with separable pieces that each slide over theportable electronic device, and engage one another (e.g., with a snapfit or friction fit) to secure the portable electronic device therein.

It may be appreciated that the case 10 may have features or aperturesformed therein, configured to correspond with features on the portableelectronic device. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an aperture90 may extend through the base 20, and may be configured to align with acamera lens on the electronic device. In some embodiments, the aperture90 may be sized to additionally or alternatively align with a cameraflash on the electronic device. In some embodiments, additionalapertures may extend through the base 20, so as to align with otherfeatures, including but not limited to marketing insignias on theportable electronic device. It may also be appreciated that in someembodiments one or more of the apertures may be merely decorative (e.g.,with a repetitive or randomized pattern of apertures formed across atleast a portion of the case 10).

FIG. 3 illustrates a right side 50 a of the case 10. As shown, the rightside 50 a may include one or more raised features 100 that protrude(e.g., extend outwards) from the remainder of the case 10. As describedin greater detail below, in some embodiments the majority of theexterior of the case 10, including at an exterior surface 105 a of theright side 50 a of the case 10, may generally be formed from a firstmaterial 110 while the raised features 100 on the right side 50 a of thecase 10 may be formed from a second material 120 having a highercoefficient of friction and/or a greater resiliency than the firstmaterial 110 generally found at the exterior of the case 10. As shown,in some embodiments the raised features 100 formed of the secondmaterial 120 may protrude from a region of the second material 120 thatmay be generally flush with the first material 110 at the exteriorsurface 105 a of the right side 50 a of the case 10. In someembodiments, the second material 120 forming the raised features 100 maybe the same material as the material forming the corner joints 60,and/or may have a similar coefficient of friction, higher than that ofthe first material 110 forming the majority of the exterior of the case10, and/or may be more resilient than the first material 110. As shownin FIG. 4, illustrating the left side 50 b of the case 10, one or moreraised features 100 may also be present on the left side 50 b of thecase 10. Similarly to the right side 50 a of the case 10, the raisedfeatures 100 may protrude from a region of the second material 120 thatmay be generally flush with an exterior surface 105 b of the left side50 b of the case 10, formed from the first material 110.

Similarly to the aperture 90 extending through the base 20, in someembodiments the left side 50 a and/or the right side 50 b may containfeatures or apertures formed therein, configured to correspond withfeatures on the portable electronic device. For example, FIG. 4illustrates a side aperture 130 extending through the right side 50 b ofthe case 10, which may be configured to correspond with a switch (e.g.,a mute switch) on the portable electronic device. As further shown,other features, such as button features 140 a and 140 b may be formedtherein, configured to align with and engage buttons of the portableelectronic device. While in some embodiments the button features 140 aand 140 b may be mechanical buttons coupled within the case 10 totransmit a press thereon into a press of the buttons of the portableelectronic device, in other embodiments the button features 140 a and140 b may be formed from a flexible material, facilitating depression ofthe button features 140 a and 140 b. In an embodiment, the buttonfeatures 140 a and 140 b (which may correspond with volume buttons ofthe portable electronic device) may be formed from the same material asthe raised features 100. In an embodiment, the button features 140 a and140 b and the raised features 100 may be formed from a quantity of thesecond material 120 at the right side 50 b of the case 10 (e.g., wherethe second material 120 is flexible).

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the case 10, showing the top 30. In anembodiment, the top 30 is formed from the first material 110 that formsthe majority of the exterior of the case 10 (namely, e.g., the exteriorof the base 20). As with other faces of the case 10, it may beappreciated that the top 30 may contain features or apertures formedtherein, configured to correspond with features on the portableelectronic device. In the illustrated embodiment, the top 10 includes abutton 150 and a top aperture 160. In an embodiment, the button 150 maybe configured to facilitate actuation of a top button on the portableelectronic device. While in some embodiments the button 150 may be amechanical button assembled into the case 10, in other embodiments, suchas that illustrated, the button 150 may be formed from a flexiblematerial configured to deform to allow for depression of the top buttonof the portable electronic device positioned underneath. In someembodiments, such as that shown, the button 150 may be formed from thesecond material 120, as described in greater detail below. Similarly tothe aperture 90 and the side aperture 130, the top aperture 160 may beconfigured to align with one or more features of the portable electronicdevice. For example, in an embodiment the top aperture 160 may beconfigured to align with an audio jack on the portable electronicdevice.

As depicted the bottom view of the case 10 in FIG. 6, a bottom 40 of thecase 10 may in some embodiments include one or more bottom apertures170. In the illustrated embodiment, a central bottom aperture 170 may beconfigured to align with a data port on the portable electronic device,and may be sized and shaped to receive a data cable therein. In anembodiment, other bottom apertures 170 may be configured to align with aspeaker and/or a microphone on the portable electronic device. Whileseparate bottom apertures 170 are provided in the illustratedembodiment, in some embodiments the case 10 may include a single bottomaperture 170 shaped to accommodate multiple features on the portableelectronic device. In some embodiments, the one or more bottom apertures170 may be formed directly in the first material 110 forming themajority of the exterior of the case 10. In some embodiments, such asthe illustrated embodiments, however, some of the second material 120,or another material, may be positioned within the bottom apertures 170.For example, in the illustrated embodiment, lips surrounding the bottomapertures 170 comprise some of the second material 120.

As appreciated in the views of FIGS. 5 and 6, the raised features 100protrude from the sides 50 a and 50 b of the case 10. As such, where theraised features are formed from the second material 120 have arelatively higher coefficient of friction than the first material 110forming the remainder of the case 10, placing the case 10 on a supportsurface so that the side 50 a or 50 b is facing the support surfacewould cause the higher friction second material 120 to frictionallyengage the support surface. Such frictional engagement between theraised features 100 and the support surface may prevent the case 10 fromtipping over when placed on its side 50 a or 50 b, or mitigate atendency for the case 10 to tip over when the support surface or thecase 10 are bumped. Additionally, the raised features 100 at the sides50 a and 50 b of the case 10 may serve as a grip for a user of theportable electronic device when the user is holding the portableelectronic device.

As further shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a material having a highercoefficient of friction and/or resiliency than the majority of theexterior of the case 10 may also extend below an exterior surface 180 ofthe base 20, as a base grip 190. As described in greater detail below,it may be appreciated that in some embodiments, the exterior surface 180of the base 20 may comprise the majority of the exterior of the case 10,and may be formed from the first material 110. In the illustratedembodiment, the base grip 190 may be formed from the second material120, having a higher coefficient of friction and/or resiliency than theexterior surface 180. Accordingly, where the exterior of the case 10 ispredominantly formed from the first material 110, having a relativelysmooth configuration (e.g., a relatively lower coefficient of friction),it may be easier for a user to remove the case 10 from a confined space(e.g., a user's pocket) than if a majority of the exterior of the case10 was formed from a material having a higher coefficient of friction(e.g., the second material 120). It may be appreciated that where aminority of the exterior of the case 10 has the higher coefficient offriction material (e.g., the second material 120) protruding outwardfrom the material having the lower coefficient of friction (e.g., thefirst material 110), the higher friction material may provide regions ofhigh friction contact when the case 10 is placed on a support surface.For example, it may therefore be appreciated that when the case 10 isplaced on a support surface with the base 20 facing the support surface,and the opening of the pocket of the case 10 (defined by the lip 70)facing away from the support surface, the base grip 190 may contact thesupport surface, as it protrudes from the lower friction exteriorsurface 180 of the base 20.

As indicated above, in some embodiments the base grip 190, the raisedfeatures 100, and the corner joints 60 may all be formed from the secondmaterial 120. In an embodiment, the base grip 190, the corner joints 60,and/or the raised features 100 may all be coupled by the interiorsurface 80 of the base 20, which may be formed from a layer of thesecond material 120, positioned to the interior of the first material110 forming the exterior surface 180. In some such embodiments, featuresof the case 10 formed from the first material 110 may be interconnected,with features of the case 10 formed from the second material 120 formedonto or integral with the features formed from the first material 110.An example of such a construction may be appreciated in the illustratedembodiment through consideration of FIGS. 7 and 8, where FIG. 8illustrates a reduced view of the case 10 as depicted in FIG. 7, showingonly those features formed from the first material 110, and excludingthose features formed from the second material 120.

As shown in FIG. 8, a preform member 200 of the case 10 formed from thefirst material 110 includes a base portion 210 associated with the base20. It may be appreciated that the exterior surface 180 of the baseportion 210 may be the exterior surface of the base 20 as a whole. Asshown, the base portion 210 may be coupled to (and in the illustratedembodiment, integral with) a top portion 220 associated with the top 30,a bottom portion 230 associated with the bottom 40, and side portions240 a and 240 b associated with the right side 50 a and the left side 50b respectively. As shown, the preform member 200 may include aperturesformed therein, which may remain unfilled, or may be only partiallyfilled by the second material 120 when assembling the case 10. Forexample, in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the aperture 90 that extendsthrough the base 20 may be partially filled by the second material 120,while the second material 120 thereat may include the aperture 90therein, so that the aperture 90 extends through base 20 in the case 10.As further shown, however, the preform member 200 may include someapertures, like a top button aperture 250, which may be completelyfilled by a molded portion of the second material 120. In theillustrated embodiment, the top button aperture 250 is filled with amolded amount of the second material 120 so as to form the top button150, which may flex relative to the top portion 220 so as to allow fordepression of a button on the portable electronic device.

As additionally shown, in some embodiments gaps 260 may be present atthe corners of the preform member 200, which may allow the top 30,bottom 40, and sides 50 a and 50 b to flex relative to the base portion210, allowing an area therebetween to expand to facilitate insertion ofthe portable electronic device. In an embodiment, the preform member 200as a whole, formed from the first material 110, may be more elastic thanthe second material 120, and configured to snap back to its originalshape after being deformed to allow insertion of the portable electronicdevice therein. It may be appreciated that the gaps 260 may be filledwith the second material 120 to form the corner joints 60. In anembodiment, the second material 120 may be softer than the firstmaterial 110, so as to deform with the first material 110 when case 10is deformed to insert the portable electronic device, but allow forflexibility of the sides of the case 10 at the gaps 260. In someembodiments, the second material 120 may be shaped to protrude out fromthe gaps 260 defined by the preform member 200, so that the cornerjoints 60 protrude from the body of the case 10, as illustrated in FIG.7. It may be appreciated that in some embodiments the corners of thepreform member 200 may intersect (e.g., linking the top 30 and/or bottom40 to either or both of the sides 50 a and 50 b directly, as well as viathe base 20). In some such embodiments, the second material 120 may beformed on top of the intersection, forming corner bumpers that protrudefrom the corners of the preform member 200.

In some embodiments, the apertures formed in the preform member 200 maybe configured to receive a quantity of the second material 120 that maybe molded, shaped, or otherwise formed to include various desiredfeatures therein. For example, side apertures 270 a and 270 b, formed inthe side portions 240 a and 240 b respectively, may be configured toreceive a mass of the second material 120 which itself may be shaped toinclude the raised portions 100 and (on the left side 50 b of theillustrated embodiment) the button features 140 a and 140 b. As shown inthe illustrated embodiment, the side apertures 270 a and 270 b may beconfigured with support ribs 280 that are recessed from the exterioropening of the side apertures 270 a and 270 b, however providestructural stability to the side portions 240 a and 240 b. It may beappreciated that in some embodiments the support ribs 280 may bepartially or completely covered by the second material 120, as viewedfrom the exterior of the case 10 and/or from the interior of the pocket.As shown in FIG. 7, in the illustrated embodiment at least some of thesecond material 120 may fill in spaced between each of the support ribs,as well as filling in the side apertures 270 a and 270 b. In anembodiment where a side aperture 130 is formed in the second material120 at the left side 50 b, it may be appreciated that a support rib 280may be omitted thereat. In other embodiments, the side aperture 130 mayextend through a support rib 280, or the side aperture 130 may otherwisebe positioned between support ribs 280.

While in some embodiments the first material 110 and the second material120 may be integrally formed together (e.g., through co-injectionmolding or similar assembly mechanisms to form a one piece embodiment ofthe case 10), in the illustrated embodiment, the first material 110 maybe formed into the preform member 200 first, before being overmoldedwith the second material 120. While in some embodiments the preformmember 200 may be merely partially cured before the second material 120is applied and molded therearound, in an embodiment the formation of thepreform member 200 may be complete (e.g. cured, removed from the mold,and/or separately assembled) before being combined with the secondmaterial 120.

In the illustrated embodiment, with the preform member 200 being formedfrom the first material 110 before application of the second material120 thereto, it may be appreciated that molding supports may bepositioned thereon to facilitate overmolding of the second material 120.In some embodiments the molding supports may be configured to cooperatewith the mold in the overmolding process. For example, in an embodimentone or more of the molding supports may be configured to position oralign a portion of the mold to facilitate injection of the secondmaterial 120. As shown in FIG. 8, in the illustrated embodiment supporttabs 290 may be configured to define a maximum application thickness forthe overmold of the second material 120 on the interior of the baseportion 210 (e.g., for application of the second material 120 to formthe interior surface 80 of the case 10). In an embodiment the moldingsupports may include apertures 300 in the first material 110 which maybe configured to facilitate flow of the second material 120 to desiredregions of the preform member 200 prior to curing the second material120. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, illustrating the exterior surface180 of the preform member 200, the apertures 300 may extend through thebase 20. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more base grip grooves310 may be formed in the exterior surface 180, and may be configured todirect a flow of the second material 120 when poured or injected ontothe base portion 210 of the preform member 200, allowing the secondmaterial 120 to form the base grips 190 as well as cover the interiorsurface 80 of the base portion 20.

It may therefore be appreciated that in some embodiments the secondmaterial 120 may surround the first material 110, such as by beingmolded onto opposing faces of the first material 110 (e.g., as thepreform member 200), however being connected. It may be appreciated thatsuch a configuration may provide increased structural stability to thecase 10. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the second material120 may flow through the apertures 300, across the base grip grooves310, and connect with other portions of the second material 120 beforecuring. Where the second material 120 coats the interior surface 80 ofthe base 20, and overlays (and in an embodiment protrudes from) theexterior surface 180 of the base 20, it may be appreciated that thesecond material 120 may sandwich the first material 110 therebetween. Asnoted above, in some embodiment the support ribs 280 (formed from thefirst material 110) may be partially or completely covered by the secondmaterial 120. It may be appreciated that the support ribs 280 surroundedby the second material 120 may provide increased structural stability tothe sides 50 a and 50 b of the case 10 in such embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the case 10,similar to the view of the preform member 200 in FIG. 9. As shown in thecomparison between FIGS. 9 and 10, when the second material 120 isinjected or poured onto the preform member 200, the second material 120may pass through the apertures 300 therein, and traverse the base gripgrooves 310 to form the base grips 190. In some embodiments, the moldingprocess may be configured to shape and define an amount by which thebase grips 190 extend from the exterior surface 180 of the base 20. Forexample, in an embodiment the mold may include one or more correspondinggrooves that match the base grip grooves 310 of the preform member 200.Accordingly, the shape of the base grips 190 may be defined through amolding process. In an embodiment, the second material 120 protrudingthrough one or more apertures 300 may extend away from the one or moreapertures 300 on opposing surfaces of the first material 110 at theexterior surface of the base 20 and the interior surface of the base 20,to provide securement between the first material 110 and the secondmaterial 120. In an embodiment, the second material 120 protrudingthrough the one or more apertures 300 in the first material 110 mayprotrude through adjacent apertures 300, and thus the second material120 may extend on both the exterior surface of the base 20 and theinterior surface of the base 20, as well as in both adjacent apertures300. In an embodiment the second material 120 protruding through the oneor more apertures 300 in the first material 110 may protrude through aplurality of sets of adjacent apertures 300 in the first material 110,and may extend between the adjacent apertures 300 of each set on eachopposing surface of the first material 110.

As shown, in some embodiments, the molding or other addition of thesecond material 120 may be configured to position the second material120 at the gaps 260 so as to form the corner joints 60. The secondmaterial 120 may also form the lips around the bottom apertures 170, asshown, as well as fill the side apertures 270 a and 270 b. It may beappreciated that in embodiments where the raised features 100 are moldedfrom the second material 120, the mold may include grooves configured toshape the second material 120 to create the raised features 100protruding from the case 10. It may also be appreciated that, in someembodiments, the second material 120 may additionally form the lips 70surrounding the opening of the case 10 as the second material 120 ismolded onto the preform member 200. It may be appreciated that in someembodiments, the lips 70 may also protrude above the opening of the case10 (e.g., away from a screen of a portable electronic device insertedwithin the case 10), which may cause the second material 120 to extendoutward from the first material 110 in the case 10 at both of thelargest opposing faces of the case 10. In an embodiment, such as thatshown, an aperture 320 extending through the base 20 may be configuredto be filled with the second material 120, and be molded to depict amarketing insignia 330 therein. Other features formed from the secondmaterial 120 may additionally or alternatively be formed from theaddition of the second material 120 to the preform member 200.Furthermore, it may be appreciated that the molding or other assemblymay be performed simultaneously or sequentially in various embodiments.Accordingly, constructing case 10 by overmolding the second material 120to the preform member 200 is not intended to be limiting. Indeed, insome embodiments the second material 120 may be formed with recessedregions at exterior surfaces thereof, and one or more harder plates offirst material 110 may be molded thereon.

It may be appreciated that the protruding configuration of the cornerjoints 60, the raised features 100, the base grips 190, and/or the lips70 may provide a degree of additional protection to the case 10 and aportable electronic device housed therein. For example, where the firstmaterial 110 is glossy or otherwise prone to scratching, the protrudingsecond material 120 may space the first material 110 from supportsurfaces, reducing a likelihood of the first material 110 beingscratched by the support surface or debris thereon. Additionally, wherethe second material is resilient (e.g. soft and/or flexible), theprotruding configuration thereof may provide enhanced impact resistance,such as when the case 10 is dropped and impacts a face or cornerthereof. For example, if the case 10 is dropped at a corner thereof, theprotruding second material 120 at the corner joint 60 may provideenhanced impact resistance, and mitigate a tendency of the firstmaterial 110 adjacent to the gap 260 from impacting and cracking. Thisadditional protection may be particularly beneficial where, like in theillustrated embodiment, the first material 110 is positioned to form themajority of the exterior of the case 10. Furthermore, where the secondmaterial 120 has a higher coefficient of friction and/or resiliency thanthe first material 110, it may be appreciated that the protruding amountof the second material 120 may cause the second material 120 to contacta support surface instead of the first material 110, providing a higherfrictional engagement between the case 10 and the support surface. Asnoted above, such a higher frictional engagement may prevent the case 10from tipping over when placed on one of the sides 50 a or 50 b (e.g.,through the case 10 and portable electronic device having a high centerof gravity in such a position).

As described above, the protrusion of the second material 120 from thefirst material 110 at the base 20 may provide regions of high frictioncontact when the case 10 is placed on a support surface. In anembodiment, more than half of the exterior of the base 20 (i.e., thesurface outside of the pocket) may be formed from the first material110, while less than half of the exterior of the base 20 may be formedfrom the second material 120 protruding outwards from the first material110, so as to form a surface of the second material 120 that may contacta support surface instead of the first material 110 when the base 20 ofthe case 10 is resting on the support surface. In other embodiments, thesecond material 120 forming the surface that contacts a support surfacemay make up a smaller proportion of the exterior of the base 20. Forexample, the second material 120 protruding from the first material 110at the exterior of the base 20 may be approximately less than or equalto 40% of the exterior of the base 20. In other embodiments, the secondmaterial 120 protruding from the first material 110 at the exterior ofthe base 20 may be approximately less than or equal to 30% of theexterior of the base 20, approximately less than or equal to 20% of theexterior of the base 20, approximately less than or equal to 10% of theexterior of the base 20, or approximately less than or equal to 10%(e.g., 5%, 1%, or less) of the exterior of the base 20.

In an embodiment, the amount of the second material 120 protruding outfrom the first material 110 at the exterior of the base 20 may be justsufficient to support the base 20 thereon, so as to space the firstmaterial 110 from a support surface, so that contact between the supportsurface and the base 20 is via the second material 120 instead of thefirst material 110. For example, in an embodiment the second material120 may protrude from the first material 110 at the exterior of the base20 at least at three regions, so as to provide a stable support ofsecond material 120 when the base 20 is placed against a supportsurface. In an embodiment, a protruding amount of second material 120may be positioned at each corner of the base 20 (e.g., adjacent to thecorner joints 60), to provide four points of contact for the secondmaterial 120 between the base 20 and the support surface. In someembodiments, such as that illustrated herein, the second material 120may generally form a ring following a perimeter of the base 20 (e.g.,following the base grip grooves 310 in some embodiments), surrounding asubstantial amount of the first material 110 of the base 20. In anembodiment, the protruding portions of second material 120 may form thinor elongate shapes across the first material 110 of the base 20.

As indicated above, features of the constructions and configurationsdescribed herein and illustrated in the Figures may be exemplarity insome embodiments. For example, while in the illustrated embodiment thecase 10 is formed from the overmolding of the second material 120 ontothe preform member 200, in some embodiments the case 10 may be formed bysimultaneously molding the first material 110 and the second material120. In some such embodiments, the case 10 may be formed using processessuch as injection molding. In an embodiment, case 10 is preferablyformed from injection-molded plastic. Other constructions areadditionally or alternatively possible, including but not limited tocreating an assembly through a combination of constituent components,assembled through adhesion with an adhesive, interlocking components, orany other appropriate assembly mechanism.

It may additionally be appreciated that dimensions of the case 10 mayvary according to the type of electronic device to be held therein. Forexample, in some embodiments where the first material 110 (e.g., as thepreform member 200) is relatively hard or rigid (especially as comparedto the second material 120), it may be appreciated that the dimensionsthereof may be sufficient to surround the portable electronic device. Inan embodiment, the relatively flexible second material 120 may be sizedto snugly surround the portable electronic device, and may provideimpact protection for the portable electronic device within the firstmaterial 110. Additionally, in some embodiments the first material 110in the case 10 may be shaped to generally match contours of the portableelectronic device. For example, the preform member 200 or analogouscomponents of other embodiments of the case 10 may cause the case 10 togenerally resemble the portable electronic device. In some embodiments,the case 10 may be formed with the first material 110 (e.g., as thepreform member 200) having multiple facets or curves formed on one ormore of the base 20, top 30, bottom 40, right side 50 a, and left side50 b. In other embodiments, the case 10 may be shaped in a manner thatis externally different from the portable electronic device configuredto be retained therein. In some embodiments, the second material 120 maybe configured to create a pocket shaped to retain the portableelectronic device, but may have varying thickness within to fill thespace between the pocket and the first material 110 at the exterior ofthe case 10. Accordingly, it may be appreciated that the generallystraight lines and rounded corners depicted in the case 10 illustratedherein are merely exemplary.

The materials utilized in the case 10 and/or their properties may alsovary across embodiments. For example, while in the illustratedembodiment the first material 110 utilized in the preform member 200 isdescribed as being hard or rigid, in other embodiments the firstmaterial 110 may be any appropriate material having less shock absorbingproperties than the second material 120. For example, while both thefirst material 110 and the second material 120 may be flexible in someembodiments, the second material 120 may be more resilient than thefirst material 110. It may be understood that resilient materials mayinclude materials that can substantially return to its original formafter being stretched, moved, bent, or otherwise deformed (within areasonable tolerance).

It may be appreciated that in the art, resiliency may be measured by adurometer. Shore A durometers generally measure the compressivedeformability of softer materials, such as rubbers and softerpolyurethanes, while Shore D durometers may measure compressivedeformability of harder polyurethanes and softer plastics. Rockwell Rdurometers typically measure compressive deformability of harderpolyurethanes and plastics, ranging from Teflon through phenolic, forexample. Accordingly, in some embodiments the second material 120 mayhave a hardness/resiliency on a scale conventionally measured on a ShoreA durometer (e.g., a Shore A durometer value between 20-95), while thefirst material 110 may have a hardness/resiliency on a scaleconventionally measured on a Shore D durometer of 25-85, or on aRockwell R durometer of 50-150. In an embodiment, the first material 110may be harder or more rigid so as to provide penetrative protectionthereto, distributing impact forces applied thereto throughout the firstmaterial 110. The comparative softness and resilience of the secondmaterial 120 (e.g., having a Shore A durometer value of less than 90)may absorb shocks therein, and give to prevent direct application offorces to the portable electronic device housed therein. It may beappreciated that in some embodiments hardness/resilience and anassociated coefficient of friction may be distinct from a coefficient offriction associated with the material and a given reference surface. Forexample, some harder materials may have a relatively high coefficient offriction, while some softer/resilient materials may have a relativelylower coefficient of friction. Accordingly, the selection of the firstmaterial 110 and the second material 120 may vary across embodiments,depending on a desired protruding resilient portion or a desired portionhaving a higher coefficient of friction.

As such, the material selections of the first material 110 and thesecond material 120 may vary, and may each have different properties,including but not limited to differing hardness/resiliency, anddiffering coefficients of friction. It may be appreciated that in someembodiments, the same material may have differenthardness's/resiliencies, or different coefficients of friction (e.g.,with a particular support surface) depending on how the material isprepared. Regardless, in some non-limiting embodiments, the secondmaterial 120 may comprise a thermoplastic polymer or a thermoplasticelastomer material, such as thermoplastic polyethylene (TPE) orthermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Any other resilient material, such assilicone, rubber or foam, may additionally or alternatively be utilized.In contrast, the first material 110 may be more prone to permanentdeformation, including cracking, scratching, shearing, or so on. As onenon-limiting example, in the illustrated embodiment, where the firstmaterial 110 is a molded plastic, the first material 110 may comprise athermoplastic, including but not limited to thermoplastics such aspolycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polyvinylchloride (PVC). It may be appreciated that the first material 110 neednot be formed from molded plastic, but may comprise any other material,including but not limited to wood, metal, glass, leather, or so on,which may be overmolded with or assembled with a resilient or otherwiseimpact absorbing second material that protrudes from the first material110 as described herein.

In some embodiments, the first material 110 and the second material 120may have different cosmetic properties. For example, in someembodiments, the first material 110 may have glossy characteristics,while the second material 120 may have matte characteristics. In otherembodiments, the converse may be true. In some embodiments, the firstmaterial 110 and the second material 120 may be different colors.Additionally, in various embodiments, one or more additional materialsmay be embedded or combined with either or both of the first material110 and the second material 120, and may serve cosmetic or functionalpurposes. For example, different portions of the components of the case10 described above (e.g., different parts of the preform member 200) maybe made from different materials, which may be molded or otherwiseassembled before being overmolded or otherwise secured to the secondmaterial 120 and/or additional materials that protrude from thoseportions forming the majority of the exterior of the case 10. In anembodiment, the second material 120 and the first material 110 may besecured to each other through a bond (e.g., as in the molding process)or through adhesion (e.g., via an adhesive).

While the principles of the invention have been made clear in theillustrative embodiments set forth above, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications may be made to thestructure, arrangement, proportion, elements, materials, and componentsused in the practice of the invention.

It will thus be seen that the objects of this invention have been fullyand effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that theforegoing preferred specific embodiments have been shown and describedfor the purpose of illustrating the functional and structural principlesof this invention and are subject to change without departure from suchprinciples. Therefore, this invention includes all modificationsencompassed within the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as recitedin the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A case for use with a portable electronic device,the case comprising: a base portion with side portions extendingtherefrom, the base portion and side portions forming a pocketconfigured to surround a back and sides of the portable electronicdevice; a first material generally being positioned at an exterior ofthe pocket, wherein a majority of an exterior surface of the baseportion is formed from the first material; and a second materialgenerally being positioned at an interior of the pocket, the secondmaterial protruding through one or more apertures in the first materialat the base portion so that portions of the second material protrudefrom the interior of the pocket to the exterior surface of the baseportion, and protrude outward from the first material at the baseportion such that when the base portion of the case is placed on asupport surface, the second material contacts the support surface;wherein the second material has a higher coefficient of friction thanthe first material and is secured to the first material; and wherein thesecond material protruding through the one or more apertures in thefirst material at the base portion extends away from the one or moreapertures on opposing surfaces of the first material at the exterior ofthe pocket and the interior of the pocket to provide securement betweenthe first and second materials.
 2. The case according to claim 1,wherein the first material is shaped with a gap at one or more regionsthereof, wherein the second material fills the gap and protrudestherefrom.
 3. The case according to claim 2, wherein the gap in thefirst material is formed at a corner region of the case.
 4. The caseaccording to claim 1, wherein the first material is shaped as a preformmember prior to the second material being applied thereto.
 5. The caseaccording to claim 4, wherein the second material is over-molded ontothe preform.
 6. The case according to claim 1, wherein the firstmaterial and the second material are molded together.
 7. The caseaccording to claim 6, wherein the first material and the second materialare integrally molded so that the case forms an integral unit.
 8. Thecase according to claim 7, wherein the first material and the secondmaterial are molded together through co-injection molding.
 9. The caseaccording to claim 1, wherein the second material is bonded to the firstmaterial or is secured to the first material via an adhesive.
 10. Thecase according to claim 1, wherein the second material is configured tosurround the portable electronic device at an interior of the firstmaterial.
 11. The case according to claim 1, wherein the second materialis configured to frame a front portion of the portable electronicdevice.
 12. The case according to claim 1, wherein the case is separableinto constituent parts configured to slide relative to each other tosurround the portable electronic device.
 13. The case according to claim1, wherein the first material of the base portion has a flatconfiguration.
 14. The case according to claim 1, wherein the secondmaterial protrudes from the first material at the side portions of theportable electronic device.
 15. The case according to claim 1, whereinthe first material comprises one or more of plastic, polycarbonate,wood, metal, glass, and leather.
 16. The case according to claim 1,wherein the second material is formed from thermoplastic polyethylene(TPE), rubber, or foam.
 17. The case according to claim 1, whereinexterior surfaces formed in the first material generally match contoursof surfaces of the portable electronic device.
 18. The case of claim 1,wherein the first material is glossier than the second material.
 19. Thecase of claim 1, wherein the second material has a resiliency than thefirst material.
 20. The case of claim 1, further comprising one or moreapertures formed in one or more of the first material and the secondmaterial, configured to align with features of the portable electronicdevice.
 21. The case of claim 1, wherein the second material protrudingthrough the one or more apertures in the first material protrudesthrough adjacent apertures in the first material, and extends betweenthe adjacent apertures on each opposing surfaces of the first material.22. The case of claim 1, wherein the second material protruding throughthe one or more apertures in the first material protrudes through aplurality of sets of adjacent apertures in the first material andextends between the adjacent apertures of each set on each opposingsurface of the first material.